Kids along the Garden Route

You may have thought that travelling through the Garden Route would not be suitable for your children. Well, not exactly. Along the Garden Route, there are plenty of places to visit with your children. In this article I’ll give you examples of fun activities you can do with them.

Go wild and learn all about our amazing wildlife at a place like Monkeyland, the world’s first free-roaming primate sanctuary. Take one of the guided tours, and you’ll see more than 700 primates. Combine Monkeyland with Birds of Eden, which is home to about 220 different types of birds, and with Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several big cats, zebras, wild dogs, raccoons and various snake species. Visit Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary, and take one of the hourly tours to see over 100 snakes and other reptiles.

To learn everything about the indigenous wild cats of South Africa, visit Tenikwa Wildlife Centre. They’re open daily and offer a selection of conservation based programs to suit all interests and budgets. During your visit you will be charmed with the sincerity of Tenikwa, the friendliness of the staff and the way in which Tenikwa’s passion for conservation shines through.

Another recommendation is to do one of the Ocean Safaris in Plettenberg Bay. Although the whale season is only from June till November, Ocean Safaris are organised all year round. The safari will start with an adrenaline beach launch with 400hp motors. You will be taken to some of the best spots along the coastline. With some luck you will spot all kinds of animals, including whales, seals, sharks, big fishes and octopuses. It is advised to book on time, as the Ocean Safaris are very popular.

Explore Plett Puzzle Park, a unique park offering interactive fun for the whole family. You can also go to Natures Valley, and explore the beach and rock pools. Enjoy one of the many activities at Keurbooms River, including angling, swimming, kayaking, boating and picnicking. Ride a horse or enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour with Hog Hollow Horse Trails. Enjoy magnificent views over mountains forests and farmlands from a classic wooden carriage.

For some more adventure: Do a two to three hour kayak & lilo adventure on Storms River in Tsitsikamma. Challenge your fear by taking a leap from the cliffs into the deep pools or just relax and enjoy the stunning nature.

Also make sure to visit the Elephant Sanctuary at Plettenberg Bay. Take one of the guided tours to get an interactive experience with the elephants and to see the sanctuary and stables. Tours depart hourly from 8:00am. until 3:30pm.

Reviewed February 6, 2018
5 of 5 stars
I was blown away with not just the incredible experience we had in Africa- David surpassed all expectations of customer service. He listened to what we wanted, asked questions, matched us with the best guides in different places as well as made the tours specific for us.
We booked David as we were on a cruise ship and they would not take our young children on the safaris- so we ended up booking all of our day tours with David. I am sooooo grateful we did this! We would not have had the experiences we did if we had been on the ship tours. David had a different guide waiting for us in each port who was perfect for us each time and the adventure he had planned for us.
It is the small things that speak volumes. We were so tired and delayed one day and the guide more than made up for it- even though it had nothing to do with him and happily had coffee while waiting for us to sort out the ship dramas and then customised our adventure even more.
With 2 young children we wanted more time in game parks and less in restaurants- so we were surprised with a glorious picnic and an incredible vista to refuel in the middle of our animal search. Perfect.
The knowledge of our guides was brilliant and they patiently answered all of our and our childrens’ questions.
We had the experience of a lifetime and full credit to David and his team. Seriously cannot recommend him highly enough. And I have not even begun to chat about the tours… Needless to say- I thought binoculars would be needed (as they were with the ship tours) in our case- well the animals were so close we could have touched them! Exilerating! And at all times we felt completely safe.
THANK YOU!!!!!

Katherine B

Amazing 12 days in South Africa!
Reviewed on June 6, 2016
5 of 5 stars
We have just returned after a 12 day trip to South Africa. Our entire trip- 3day Kruger Safari and Blyde River Canyon tour, Cape Town and 5 day garden route tour was entirely managed by David Smith and how well he managed it. Our tour guide for 7 days was Duncan Petre an excellent gentleman, professional, friendly and very flexible. His knowledge shows his passion for his profession. Travelling extensively with 2 kids is never easy but Duncan made it so and I must mention, David was himself present at the airport to pick us and he himself drove us back to the airport at 5.30 am in the morning for our return journey. I have never come across an owner who does this personally for his clients. Kudos to African Blue…..stay blessed and go miles guys…

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IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Unabridged Birth Certificate – applies to ALL children under 18 years of age.
Effective 1 June 2015, South African Authorities require that all children, under the age of 18, travelling to / from South Africa, be in possession of their original unabridged birth certificate reflecting both parents full names and surname. Children travelling with only one parent or other person or where one parent or both parents are deceased, must be in possession of an affidavit from the remaining parent/s or guardian, permitting the child to travel or copy of the deceased person’s death certificate when applicable.
Please view our blog post for updated information.